The forms that come up again and again for cross-border filers, explained in plain language.
1040NR · 1 min read
If you are not a US citizen, are a nonresident for US tax purposes, and the filing rules require a US return, this is usually the form you file instead of the standard 1040.
T2209 · 1 min read
T2209 calculates a federal foreign tax credit on your Canadian return, subject to applicable limits. It can reduce double taxation of the same income, and the result depends on the numbers behind it.
W-8BEN · 1 min read
Form W-8BEN documents foreign status for certain payments from a US payer, such as investment income, so the payer can apply the right withholding and any treaty rate. It does not fit every situation.
FBAR · 1 min read
If you are a US citizen or resident with foreign accounts, including Canadian bank accounts, RRSPs, or TFSAs, this filing is separate from your tax return and carries its own penalties.
Streamlined · 2 min read
If you are a US citizen in Canada who never filed, or fell behind, the IRS Streamlined procedures may let you catch up with reduced or no penalties, if your failure was non-willful and you meet the other eligibility rules.